About Builder Licensing

The Foothill Catalog Foundation (TFCF) pre-approved home designs are available directly to builders interested in supporting fire rebuilds in Los Angeles County. By licensing our plans, builders can deliver high-quality rebuild projects more efficiently.

Benefits of Licensing a Foothill Catalog Plan

  • Streamlined process: Pre-approved plans let you move projects directly into site-specific permitting and construction, saving time and reducing uncertainty.

  • Fully engineered drawings: Each design includes complete architectural, structural, MEP, and Title 24 documentation, ready for permitting and construction.

  • Rooted in character: With a variety of unique single family and ADU designs showcasing Altadena’s architectural diversity, the Catalog reflects the community’s identity while also responding to local lot types, sizes, and building conditions.

  • Community connection: As a community-based nonprofit, the Foothill Catalog is already recognized by residents recovering from the Eaton Fire. Builders can respond to this existing demand supporting homeowners across the rebuild area.

  • Lower licensing fees: Our nonprofit model provides deeply subsidized plan licenses, helping reduce overall rebuild costs and making high-quality homes more accessible to a diverse population of homeowners.

Requirements for a Builder to License our Plans

Access to Foothill Catalog plans is reserved for licensed, insured building professionals. All builders must carry the following:

  • Valid CSLB license in good standing

  • General liability insurance

  • Workers’ compensation insurance

Plans can only be licensed for fire rebuild projects in Los Angeles County and Pasadena, and may not be used for projects outside the fire affected area.

How the Process Works

  1. Builder Intake Form
    Start by completing our Builder Intake Form. This provides your license, insurance, and background information so we can verify your status and provide access to Foothill Catalog designs.

  2. Plan Access Folder
    Once approved, we will share access to our Plan Folder. Here you’ll find up-to-date plan sets for review. You can use these to present options to homeowners and prepare accurate bids.

  3. Plan License Agreement
    When a homeowner selects a plan and signs a construction contract with you, we issue a property-specific License Agreement.

    • Each license is tied to a single project site.

    • Plans cannot be used for permitting or construction until the license agreement is executed.

  4. Site-Specific Requirements
    Builders and homeowners remain responsible for:

    • Preparing a site plan

    • Completing the County Disaster Recovery Permit submittal

    • Securing all agency approvals

    • Contracting directly with a project engineer for inspections and structural observations

Builder Intake Form

Working Together

The Foothill Catalog Foundation provides pre-approved, code-compliant plan sets. Beyond making these designs available, the Catalog does not:

  • Provide construction administration or site-specific design services

  • Manage permitting on behalf of homeowners or builders

  • Advise on construction methods or oversee projects on-site

Builders are responsible for:

  • Developing the site plan

  • Completing all permitting submittals and agency approvals

  • Managing construction, inspections, and quality control

  • Addressing any items not included in the Foothill Catalog drawing set

Questions?

If you’re a builder interested in licensing Foothill Catalog plans or want to learn more about the process, we’re here to help.

Email us at build@foothillcatalog.org and a member of our team will get back to you.